TR 197 
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Copy 1 


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i)F SOME 


MP01TAIT IIPR0TMJ 



IN THE 


PROCESSES AND APPARATUS 


DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF 




WITH 


Illustrations anb Confirmative Cestimonn. 


CONTENTS. 

> o J t g 'f 

The Megascopic Camera,.4 A New View Camera Box.22 

Prices—with Printed Instructions,.5 Prices of Photograph Paper for Megas- 

Vulcanite Pans—Prices.6 | copic Camera,.23 

Coroborative Testimony,.6 Pure Chemicals,.23 

New Style Head Rest,.2(> The Niellograph,.;....24 

The Compact Camera Stand.21 The Stereoscope..24 

Spring and Ratchet Plate Vices,.22 ! 




2fau) ijork: 

American Journal of Photography Print. 




1859 . 





























































> 


THB 



PHOTOGRAPHY. 


(NEW SERIES ) 

SEMI-MONTHLY, ILLUSTRATED. 







k 



One Dollar and Fifty Cents per annum, in advance. 


SINGLE NUMBERS TEN CENTS. 


NEW PROCESSES, NEW APPARATUS, 

Everything of Interest to the Practical Photographer or the Amateur. 

The Exponent of the Photographic Interest in America. 

Original Communications from distinguished American Amateurs & Artists. 
Accurate Reprints or Abstracts 

of ail the most important articles published in the various European 
Photographic Journals. 


THE VOLUME COMMENCES WITH JUNE. 


Published by SEELY & G ABB AN ATI, 




424 Broadway, New York. 










A. DESCRIPTION 


OF SOME 


IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS 


IN THE 


PROCESSES AND APPARATUS 


DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF 


r PHG 





Illustrations # Confirmative fetimong. 

' ^ , 7 "A ’ , ■ % 

— i 4^^ ) 

[fi U. S. A, 

NEW YORK: 

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT. 
- 


) 


1859. 











We respectfully invite a careful perusal of the follow¬ 
ing pages, trusting that every reader will find something of 
instruction and profit. 

Photographers will please observe that our statements are 
confirmed by the highest testimony of disinterested parties. 

CHAELES A. SEELY, 
HENEY GAEBANATI. 

New York, Dec. 27th, 1858. 


THE MEGASCOPIC CAMERA 


A few months since we issued a circular letter to the photo¬ 
graphic profession concerning our Megascopic Camera. We 
endeavored to describe the capacities of the instrument truth¬ 
fully, and without exaggeration; yet our letter was received 
with incredulity. Many even supposed that our tempting of¬ 
fer to furnish a Camera at a cost of only twenty-five dollars, 
capable of producing photographs of colossal dimensions, was 
simply absurd and impossible, and we are sorry to confess also 
that some suspected us of deliberate fraud. It is, however, 
a source of gratification to us now to know that all such 
doubters were strangers to us. 

We were also deluged with questions as to the modus opcr- 
andi of the instrument—the cost of materials to be used—the 
price of large pictures, &e. 

This experience with our circular letter made us resolve to 
be more explicit in future, to anticipate inquiries, and to sup¬ 
port our statements with independent testimony. 


The Megascopic Camera is especially designed for producing 
life-size photographs. At the same time all pictures of the 
8x10 or intermediate sizes may be made with it, truer to 
natuie than by any other instrument. 

Pictures are not made with it directly from the object, but 
from a negative produced in the usual way. The negative, 
however small, is printed by our camera of any size ’whatever. 


5 


For example : a life-size photograph is printed from a 1-4 
negative. 

The instrument, as we sell it, is not furnished with a tube. 
The tube which the artist commonly employs is all he needs. 

Enlarged Ambrotypes, Niellographs or Negatives may be 
made just as easily as large Photographs. 

If the work is skilfully done, the pictures made by our in¬ 
strument and process need no retouching. The best cabinet- 
size plain photographs ever exhibited were made by it. 

Each instrument is accompanied with a printed description 
of the method of setting it up, and the chemical process to be 
followed. The book is plainly written and contains all the in¬ 
struction necessary for the highest success. The manipulations 
of the process are so easy, that any intelligent person who has 
never made a photograph may produce a good one at the 
first trial. 

The Camera is well adapted for making views. The largest 
sizes have all the sharpness and perfection of detail which can 
be attained by the most expensive and cumbersome view 
Cameras. 

The prices of the Megascopic Camera with the printed in¬ 
structions are-as follows: 


4-4.$25 00 

1-2. 20 00 

1-4. 15 00 


< 

The outlay for chemicals beyond what the artist is supposed 
to have, will not exceed one dollar. The only additional ap¬ 
paratus beyond what we supply as above, are a light exposure 
frame, which any carpenter can make in a few minutes, and 
two or three pans or trays for washing and fixing the \ rints. 
These pans may be made of wood, gutta percha, glass, &c., at 
little expense. But we prefer by far, and always recommend 
our vulcanite pans, which, though apparently dear, are always 
cheapest in the end. The prices are as follows: 





6 


Size 4 by 5 ••• 


Size 12 by 16. 

...$2.75 

each. 

“ 5 “ 7-... 

. 45 “ 

“ 15 “ 

18. 

... 4.00 

u 

“ 7 “ 9-.. 

. 75 “ 

“ 18 “ 

22. 

... 6.00 

il 

“ 8 “ 

.1.00 “ 

“ 21 “ 

26. 

... 8.00 

u 

“ 10 “ 12... 

.1.50 “ 

“ 26 “ 

31. 

...16.00 

44 


Size 28 by 35. 

.$19.50 each. 




Now as to the various capabilities of our instrument, we beg 
to refer to the following Opinions of gentlemen who have had 
the best opportunities of discovering the truth. No doubt 
every reader will recognise the name of some trusty friend, or 
some distinguished photographer. We earnestly desire that 
none of these letters will be omitted—each one will be found 
to afford some new information on the merits of our Camera. 
Many others might be added, but we prefer to print only let¬ 
ters from gentlemen well known to the profession. 


New YorJc, Nov. 14, 1858 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati.— The other day we enlarged seve¬ 
ral Photographs with your Megascopic Camera, and we must confess 
that the first trial surpassed in success our saDguine expectations. Your 
Megascopic Camera is most convenient for enlarging Photographs, and 
may truly be considered a great improvement in the Photographic Art. 
It works very sharp, and with the greatest ease one can get the finest 
specimens. With greatest respect, yours, 

KAPP & GROSS, 

435 Broadway. 


Rawson’s Picture Gallery, Lyndon , Yt 

November 27th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gents.:—I received the Megascopic 
Camera which I purchased of you, in due season and in good order. 
I have made many experiments with it, and find it to be all that you 
have recommended it to be. It works very sharp, and enlarges per¬ 
fectly correct. 

You deserve the thanks of all the profession for the introduction of 
this invaluable instrument. I would not be without it for ten times 
the cost of the instrument. Truly yours, 


E. E. RAWSON. 
















7 


Rutland , Ftf., November 26, J 858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati.— We have been trying your Megas¬ 
copic Camera with perfect success. We are highly delighted with it. 
It is the thing for enlarging Photographs, and with confidence we 
would recommend it to the profession. Yours, for improvement, 

MOWREY r & RUSSELL. 


New Brunswick , November 29 th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Sirs:—We have tried your Megas¬ 
copic Camera, and would return you our thanks for giving to the fra¬ 
ternity such a perfect machine, whereby we can take life-size pictures 
so accurately -and with so little trouble. It works to a charm. 

BOGGS & BILL. 


Lowville , November 29£A, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gentlemen :—You ask my opinion 
of your Megascopic Camera. It meets my highest approval. No 
photographer will be without one when their real merits are known. 
By the use of this instrument I am prepared to compete with the 
world in making Life-Size Photographs. 

They possess all the perfection of the smaller sized photograph, and 
when colored in oil, are far superior to any other style of portrait. 
The expense of the instrument is so low that it brings it within the 
pecuniary reach of every artist. Hoping the sale of your instrument 
will be as extensive as it is valuable, 

I remain, respectfully yours, 

E. M. VAN AKEN. 
Hudson , December 1 st, 1858. 

I think your Megascopic Camera will fill a want that has been felt 
by every photographer. It will do away with the mammoth Cameras, 
and enable country operators to compete with your first-class city 
artists, who have hitherto monopolised all the large work. 

FRANK FORSIIEW. 


Wa/ren , Ohio , December 2 d, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —Your Megascopic Camera is in 
receipt, and pleased are all to say it meets our most sanguine expec¬ 
tations. 

In our judgment it is the u ne plus ultra" It is not only simple 
and compact, but highly practicable, and your manipulations accom¬ 
panying the same are a desirable combination of chemicals, producing 
results truly pleasing to the amateur. 






8 


The very low price of this invaluable instrument places it within 
the reach of all, and we feel confident that no practical photographer 
can ever regret having made the purchase. 

We most sincerely hope that your unwearied efforts to bring it into 
general use may be crowned with abundant success. 

Yours, very truly, 

ROBBINS & LEROY. 


New York , Dec. 2d, 1858. 

After a trial of the various instruments and processes for producing 
large pictures on paper and canvas, I find your Megascopic Camera as 
efficient as any. 

I have found no difficulty in making, by your instrument, Life-Size 
Photographs on canvas, in cloudy weather. 

I would cheerfully recommend jour Camera to all who desire to sell 
large pictures. Truly yours, 

. MAURICE SANCIER, 

Late Photographer with C. D. Fredricks. 

Dover, N IT., cor. Central dc Washington Sts., 

December 7th , 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —In answer to your inquiry in regard 
to my opinion of your interesting combination, the Megascopic Camera, 
I would say it affords me great pleasure (for it is due you and especial¬ 
ly the photographic fraternity) to express it as my unqualified opinion, 
based on the practical use of one for the last six months, that they are 
unsurpassed by any other combination now extant, for the enlarging 
of photographs to life size and smaller. My business has been chiefly 
in enlarging prints nine times from negatives of the 4-4 size, for a par¬ 
ticular purpose. My results have been perfectly satisfactory in all of 
the details and 6ut ines. To artists of limited means, (as there are 
many such,) I would add its cheapness is not its least recommendation, 
being obtained at least one hundred and twenty-five dollars less than 
any other instrument in use for producing enlarged photographs. 

Yours, &c., 

E. T. BRIGHAM. 


I consider your new invention of much value to the photographic 
profession, as it provides the means of taking mammoth pictures at a 
very little original outlay, and at a small cost for each picture. 

E. M. DOLGLAS, 

December 7th, 1858. 345 Fulton St., Brooklyn. 

Your Megascopic Camera fills a want of the profession, since it 
enables the taking of Life-Size Photographs, with a very light, conve¬ 
nient and inexpensive ''pparatus. Could such pictures be taken direct, 






9 


they would involve a very great outlay, cause much trouble in coating 
and handling such immense plates, whilst the cost of each experiment 
would be a considerable item of itself. I consider the process accom¬ 
panying it of as much value as the instrument, and the whole cf (spe¬ 
cial advantage to photographers, especially in pictures to be colored. 
Any artist ought to save the cost of the instrument several times over 
in the course of a year in the cost of chemicals alone. 

J. D. DAVIS, 

December 7th, 1858. 101 Fulton St., Brooklyn. 


Messrs. Seely & G-arbanati. Gents.—The Megascopic Camera 
which I obtained of you some months since gives the most perfect satis¬ 
faction. By means of it I have made some of the finest Cabinet and 
Life-size prints which I have ever seen ; and I think it but just that 
the photographic profession should know that there is an instrument 
fully equal to the Solar Camera, which may be had at one-sixth the 
expense. Very truly yours, 

M. FINLEY. 

Canandaigua , N. Y., Dec. 7th, 1858. 


December 8 th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —I consider your Megascopic Came¬ 
ra one of the most useful of improvements in photographic apparatus. 

The instrument is simple iu construction, compact in form, and not 
at all liable to get out of order. With it, Life-Size Photograghs are 
produced with the greatest ease, and at a trifling expense. 

Yours truly, 

W. M. GARDNER, Photographer, 

With J. Gurney, 349 Broadway, N. Y. 

Concert'd) N.H., Dec. 8th 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati.— I have been very successful in the 
use of your instrument for enlarging Photographs. All those who wish 
to make large pictures from small negatives should give it a trial. 

Yours, truly, 

w. d. McPherson. 


Dundee , V. Y ., Dec. 8th , 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gents.—Having returned home 
from a tour West, I found your favor of November 23d. In reply, I 
would say that I have used your Megascopic Camera nearly three 
months, and it gratifies me exceedingly to be able to say that I have 
succeeded beyond my most sanguine expectations. With a 1-4 nega¬ 
tive I have made Life-Size Photographs, by both the wet and dry 







10 


process, much finer and sharper than any I have ever seen by any 
other method. 

I have compared them with those made by the Solar, and it was 
conceded by all that mine were superior. Every photographer in the 
country, large or small, ought to have one. In fact, I could not do 
business without it. Yours, respectfully, 

JAMES M. LETTS. 


Brooklyn, December 9 th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & G-arbanati. Sirs.—I think that your Megascopic 
Camera is the best improvement and most economical instrument ex¬ 
tant; with proper light and careful manipulation it will print just as 
fine a plain print as from a negative by contact in the pressure frame. 
Its real value cannot be estimated, for its advantages in labor saving 
and economy in chemicals, is no small object for an artist, and it is 
just what every gallery must have if they want to keep up with the 
times. 

W. J. KUHNS. 


New York, Dec. 13 th, 1858. 

In my opinion the Megascopic Camera will take the place of all 
other contrivances for producing large size pictures. It does its work 
quicker and sharper than other instruments, while its cost is almost 
ridiculously small compared with Mammoths and Solars. 

A very great advantage of the Megascopic consists in the fact that 
it occupies so little space. I have seen enough timber in a Mammoth 
Camera or a Pantagraph to make a dozen Megascopics. The instrument 
is so small that it may be used in a bed-room or on a travelling car. 

The process accompanying the instrument is complete, yet simple, 
and with no superfluous words. 

J. H. YOUNG, 

145 & 198 Eighth Avenue & 418 Second St. 

Waynesburg, Pa., Dec. 13 th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, New York. Gentlemen:—In answer 
to yours of Nov. 23d, in reference to the Megascopic Camera,—I 
have been working the instrument for some six or eight months; it has 
fully met my every expectation. Have made quite a number of Life- 
Sizes, as well as small Photographs, and as yet have found no difference 
in sharpness; so far as size is concerned, all are equally sharp. Was 
awarded two premiums for Life-Size Photographs at the Pennsylvania 
State Agricultural Society Fair, held at Pittsburgh, last fall, and would 
cheerfully recommend the Camera to all artists, of small means, de¬ 
sirous of making large photographs, as it will enable them to make 
Life-Size Photographs, at a very trifling outlay for apparatus. 

Respectfully yours, 


JER. SCI1ROY. 





11 


Yonkers , N. Y ., Dec. 16^, 1857. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati —You know I do not make photo¬ 
graphy my business, and bought your Megascopic Camera only to 
amuse my leisure hours. My opinion of the instrument may there¬ 
fore have no weight with professed photographers, jet it may be of 
service to you if you meet with any gentlemen who are seeking relaxa¬ 
tion in photographic amusement. To any such you may say that I 
recommend the Megascopic Camera—even that I am delighted with it. 

The astonishment is still fresh, that I felt when I found that I was 
able to go out with a few light articles which I easily carry in my 
hand, and bring home in my vest pocket, even (they were so small) 
landscape views, which by means of your instrument I can magnify to 
the largest dimensions. Very respectfully, &c., yours, 

N. SARONl r , 

Of the Firm of Sarony, Major & Knapp, 
Lithographers, New York. 

New York , Dec. 11858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gents.—Your Megascopic Camera 
fully answers my expectations. It enables me to make large size 
photographs at a fraction of the cost and trouble required by a large 
instrument, whilst the difference of cost really makes it a question of 
consideration. 

I do not know of any other arrangement for enlarging, that answers 
the purpose as well. Truly yours, 

AUG’S. MORAKD. 

Petersburgh , Fa., Dec. Ylth, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. — My opinion of your Megascopic 
Camera is very favorable, for the following reasons:— 

It is quite simple in construction, and therefore not liable to get out 
of order, and its mode of operation so easily apprehended that it can be 
used quite successfully at the very first trial, even if the operator is 
not accustomed to make other than the smaller pictures. 

Great merit also appertains to the chemical process, which is so 
rapid that one person, with ordinary facilities, can make at least a dozen 
Life-Size Pictures in a day of average length. 

And last, but not least, it is so cheap that the poorest operator can 
afford to procure it, and it is evident that any photographer would be 
very unwise to pay six times as much for an instrument which would 
not do the same work. Your rival ought to far excel to be worth the 
difference. 

With these advantages I do not doubt you will meet the success 




12 


which you deserve, for presenting to the photographic profession such 
an admirable instrument and process. Very respectfully, &c., 

EUGENIO K. HOUGH. 


New York , 343 Canal St., 

December 17th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —We cheerfully contribute our testi¬ 
mony to the merits of your Megascopic Camera. 

After an examination of the various methods of producing large 
photographs, we have adopted your instrument and process as the best. 

In order to secure the greatest convenience, we have, at considerable 
expense, fitted up a room in our establishment, with tables, washing 
apparatus, &c., especially for the Megascopic work. 

Respectfully yours, 

JAMES CADY, 
GEO. ADAMS. 


New York , Deo. 17th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. — I consider your Megascopic Camera 
quite effective for taking large photographs. It is light and conven¬ 
ient, and furnishes the means for producing Life-Size pictures at a very 
little cost, whilst the low price of the instrument adds materially to its 
value as an invention. 

HENRY A. MEADE, 

For Meade Brothers. 


Brooklyn , L. /, Dec. \7th, 1858. 

Gentlemen :—I have used your Megascopic Camera with good suc¬ 
cess for the last three months for enlarging, (more especially to Life- 
Size), and find it to be a very cheap, useful and labor-saving instrument. 

ALFRED W. JACOBS, 

To Messrs. SEELY & GARBANATI, 283 & 285 Fulton St., Brooklyn. 

Photographic Chemists, Broadway. 


New York , Dec. l$th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —I consider your Megascopic Camera 
the best instrument invented for taking Large Size Photographs, and 
withal, at little cost. 

AMOS EDDY, 

109 Bowery. 






13 


[From tlit Scientific American .] 

NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC INVENTION. 


Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists of this city, have 
recently perfected an apparatus by which Life-Sized Portraits may be 
produced with all the ease and perfection of small pictures. We have 
examined the mammoth portraits produced by it, and fouud them quite 
free from the distortion which has generally characterized large photo¬ 
graphs; in fact the Life-Size likeness is an exact counterpart in figure and 
detail of the person, and needs as little of the artist’s retouching as the 
ambrotype or daguerreotype. The cost of materials used in the pre¬ 
paration of the paper is trifling, while the apparatus complete is manu¬ 
factured for about $20. 

The instruments hitherto employed for making portraits of a larger 
size than 6 by 8 inches are sold at prices ranging from $200 to $1,000. 
and the chemical preparations required for a commencement involve a 
large outlay. The old methods, moreover, are uncertain, tedious and 
the best results unsatisfactory, till the pencil of the artist has softened 
down the defects. 

The inventors are preparing for exhibition a full length colossal pho¬ 
tograph, fifteen feet in height, of one of our most distinguished citizens. 

This new instrument, called the “ Megascopic Camera,” is similar 
in principle to the solar microscope. A small picture is first produced 
in the usual way from the object; an image of this small picture is 
thrown magnified from the new Camera on to a sensitive surface (paper 
or canvas), on which it is impressed in a few seconds. Any small r 

picture (portrait or view) may thus be accurately enlarged to any de¬ 
sired extent. 

Many of our most enterprising photographers have adopted the in¬ 
strument, and seem to think that it will come into general use for all 
pictures over 6 by 8. 


[ From the JV. Y. Daily Papers , Sept 2 d. ] 


Seely & Garbanati.— In front of the photographic establishment 
of these gentlemen, at 422, 4 and 6 Broadway, was exhibited a cojossal 
photograph of Cryus W. Field from life, on a scale of about 25 feet 
fbr the full length figure. This was said to be the first photographic 
portrait, of a size larger than life ever attempted It is an excellent 
likeness of Mr. Field, and was one of the most noteworthy objects of 
the day. At night it was brilliantly illuminated, as was also the place 
of business of the firm. 

The portrait was stretched on a frame 4 feet by 5, tastefully adorned 
with streamers, and inscription^ on the margin. The mouograms were 




14 


Morse, Field on the top and bottom; Daguerre, Archer on the 
right and left. On the reverse of the frame was the legend : 


The Tribute 
of 

Photography. 


The whole set upon a pole about 20 feet in bight, and erected on the 
edge of the sidewalk. 


Mr. Charles A. Seely —Dear Sir.—You are at liberty to use my 
name in your list of certificates, as to the very excellent qualities of 
your chemicals. Their use by the profession generally, will, I am con¬ 
fident, establish you a lasting reputation, and fully bear me out in my 
statements I make in regard to their genuineness for Photographic and 
Daguerreotype purposes. The desideratum has long been needed by 
our craft— an establishment like yours—where pure, uniform and every 
way reliable chemicals could be obtained at fair prices, and our orders 
promptly executed. Wishing you every success, 

I remain, yours, very truly, 

MOSES SUTTON, 

Detroit, Mich. 


Dear Sir. —I have given your Chemicals a thorough test, and find 
them to be as good as any 1 have ever used for Photographic purposes. 

A. A. TURNER 

New York, Jan, 17,1855. 

Chicago , III. Jan. 5, 1855. 

I consider the establishment of Mr. Seely worthy of the patronage 
of the Photographic profession. His Chemicals have all the qualities 
essential to the highest success. 

ALEX. HESLER 


Your enterprise and skill are worthy of the highest praise. Your 
establishment is a demand of the times. We consider success as cer¬ 
tain. Of course we commend the Chemicals to all who may need them. 

WEBSTER & BRO. 

Louisville, Jan. 21, 1858. 


Rochester , Jan. 26. 1855. 

I take pleasure in commending the Chemicals of Mr. Seely, to Dag- 
uerreotypists and Photographers. From a personal acquaintance with 








15 


Mr. Seely I feel assured that all who patronize hiiu will be served with 
good reliable Chemicals. 

E. T. WHITNEY. 


New- York , Oct. 26, 1854. 

After a careful test, by the use of the Chemicals of Mr. Seely, I 
would cheerfully recommend them to the favor of Daguerrean operators. 
His Choloride of Gold, Mercury, Acids for photography, &c., I consider 
equal to any I have ever used. 

M. M. LAWRENCE, 

381 Broadway. 

Boston , Oct. 24, 1854. 

Mr. Charles A. Seely.— Your samples of Chemicals came duly to 
hand. I am much pleased with them. I think, from their action, that 
they are what they purport to be, chemically pure. Please send me, &c. 

J. A. WHIPPLE. 


Mr. Charles A. Seely, A. M.—Why I am more anxious to buy 
of you is, that an old friend of mine who has been in the business as an 
artist for fourteen years, told me that Mr. Seely always sold the best 
Photographic materials of any house, and that more reliance was to be 
placed on his word, by those who could not select for themselves. 

Yours truly, 

A. MILLSPUGH, 

Washington, La. 


Providence , Aug. 7th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. — I wish you would send me a cata¬ 
logue of the prices of your Chemicals, as I am told you keep the best. 
As soon as I am prepared I intend calling on you. 

B. McMANUS, 

Providence, R. I. 


Worcester, Oct. 30 th 1858. * 

Mess. Seely & Garbanati. Gents.:—The Collodion which I order¬ 
ed arrived safely and works most admirably. The Negative Collodion 
works the best and surest of any which I ever used, and the grand se¬ 
cret I think in a great measure is attributable to purity of agents for 
combination. You will have my patronage in future, without fail, so 
long as your preparations sustain their present well-deserved character. 

Yours truly, 

C. R. B. CLAFLIN. 







16 


Sanbornton Bridge, N.U., Sept. 7, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. —I am much pleased with the Jour¬ 
nal in its new form ; it is a valuable addition to art literature. Your 
new method of rectifying the Nitrate of Silver Bath by exposure to 
sunlight, I have tried with the best results. Accept my thanks, with 
the assurance of my best wishes, 

I subscribe myself, yours truly, 

WILLIAM L. WILDER. 


Messrs. Seely & GUrbanati.— I have made some of the best nega¬ 
tives with that last batch of Chemicals I ever saw. Please send me, &c. 

O. C. BENJAMIN. 

'« Newark, September 18th, 1858. 


Mechaniesburg, Cumb. Co., Pa., April 14,1858. 

Charles A. Seely. Sir :—I bought a small book of you some time 
since called the Ambrotype, and there was so much of practical in¬ 
formation in it that I have concluded to try your American Journal of 
Photography, to see if it is as spicy as your other works. You can 
commence the subscription from any date in 1858. 

In haste, yours truly, 

D. W. BOSS. 


Some artists tell me yours is not the French Ammonium, and that 
the French article is the best. We, however, have obtained nothing 
but the purest Chemicals from you. 

J. T. NICHOLS. 

Oswego , N. Y., December 21th, 1857. 

_ I 

Cleveland, 0., December 14, 1858. 

’"Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Bear Sirs:—I have used some of 
your Chemicals, and am very much pleased with them, particularly 
with your Nitrate of Silver. I have merftioned the matter of ordering 
from you to our dealers here. I shall certainly ask our folks to order 
from you. Very truly yours, 

J. F. R1LDER. 


Extract from Mr. MayalVs Letter to Elisha Mandcr, 98 Snow Hill , Birmingham . 

224 Regent Street, London. 

Mr. Mandeb.— I am happy to inform you that Mr. A. G. Grant is 
with me for a short time. lie is using the Collodion manufactured by 
Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, of New /York, for which, I understand. 







17 


you are the Agent. It is cheaper than'we can manufacture it; is uni¬ 
form in its working, and produces the finest Negatives I have ever 
seen ; and above all, it improves by age. I am quite satisfied, by the 
chemical explanations given by Mr. Grant, that you may use it with 
success after being sensitized for a great length of time.” 


Baltimore , January ls£, 1857. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gentlemen.— I have been recom¬ 
mended to you by several gentlemen, particularly Mr. Hall, of Hallo- 
type celebrity, as being a first class house to purchase good photograph 
stock. Now, sirs, I have long been wanting to find such a depot where 
I might rely upon getting good material.*** Yours, respectfully, 

I. G. ISRAEL, 

91 Baltimore Street. 


Attributing much of my success to the purity of the various Chemi¬ 
cals used in the photographic art, and having the greatest confidence 
in the skill of Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, I have constantly used 
Chemicals of their manufacture, believing them to be the best in use, 
and would here recommend all who purchase my Formula to use the 
same, as a certain condition of success. 

H. D. W. MOULTON, 

July 19 th, 1857. Practical Photographer, 349 Broadway. 

Stroudsburg , Monroe Go ., Pa ., Oct . 7 th, 1857. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Gents.—I have been told you fur¬ 
nish a good article of Collodion, which is essential for the business.** 

L. T. TEW. 


Lancaster , Erie Co ., N. Y., Nov. %7th, 1857. 

Mr. Charles A. Seely, A. M., New York. Dear Sir.—Your 
little work on Ambrotyping contains many valuable things for begin¬ 
ners in the art, either one of which is worth many times the price of 
the book.*** Very truly yours, 

E. H. PERRY. 


Alexandria , Va., December 12 th, 1857. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanatl Gents.—Will you have the goodness 
to send me, by return mail, a list of the different sizes and prices of 
Niello Paper. The little lot I purchased some two months since has 
been distributed among my customers, and, as far as heard from, gives 
general satisfaction. Respectfully, 

N. SMITH BENNETT. 







18 


West Winsted, Gt., December 30th, 1857. 

Charles A. Seely, A. M. Dear Sir.—After a four mouths’ sojourn 
out West, I return to my room in Winsted, and find that my man 
has received “ Seely’s Ambrotype” in my absence, for which please 
accept my thanks. 

I find it, on reading, the most common sense work on the subject I 
have yet seen. I had a pupil while away in the photograph line, to 
whom I recommended you and your works. Yours truly, 

T. M. Y. DOUGHTY. 


Warren, Ohio, June 2d, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati.— We are much pleased with your 
Chemicals, and feel a great satisfaction and confidence in recommending 
them to our patrons; rest assured that your reputation as Chemists is 
being appreciated. 

Such an institution should and will be liberally patronised by all 
the leading artists of America, and confidently can we say that the 
“ summum boniim ” in that branch has been reached. 

Your inestimable work, the “ Ambrotype,’ there has been a great 
call for; we are nearly out of our last package. 

We are much gratified to see the growing interest manifested by the 
fraternity generally, respecting “ The American Journal of Photogra¬ 
phy,” and unless such interest does become more prevalent, and a 
greater effort made to support such works, we may (as we always have 
done), look to the old world for all the valuable improvements. 

No doubt but that your Western correspondent, (mentioned in your 
last Journal,) has had his throat well swabbed out by the superfluous 
quackery that is afloat, broad-cast, all over our land, and he, lacking a 
little of the one thing needful, common sense, could not discover the 
difference between good and evil, as in the good old days of Adam and 
Eve. Nothing receives a warmer reception than the Journal at our 
office. Let us hear from you often, we love to see your well-known 
superscription. 

Wishing you, what you cannot fail to have, success, 

We remain, truly, 

BOBBINS* & LEROY". 

Sherman, August 23 d, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Sirs.—The Chemicals you so prompt¬ 
ly sent me work to perfection, and as to the Journal, “gold is poor” 
beside that. We, out here, are sorry for Mr. Dixon, and all others 
who don’t know where to find pure Nitrate of Silver, or any other 




19 


chemical. You know what I want, and I am bound to patronise the 
right. It does one’s heart good to find men that are true to their pro¬ 
fession. Yours truly, 

O. S. ALLEN. 


Jefferson, Pa., August 30th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, New York. Gentlemen.—Allow me 
to say that I am very much pleased with the Megascopic Camera, its 
working, sharpness, &c. I have made Life-Size Photographs with an 
extra half-size tube, equally as sharp as an ordinary ambrotype can be 
produced.*** 

J. SCHROY. 


Montreal, September 7th, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Sirs.— I have seen this morning in 
the Scientific American, a notice of your valuable invention. I join 
my best wishes for your welfare, and hope that you will meet the for¬ 
tune your genius deserves. At the same time I should like to get one 
of those apparatus complete as soon as possible, because our exhibition 
will be held the 23d of this month, therefore please, if possible, do not 
delay. I remain, your obd’t servant, 

C. DION, Photographic Artist. 


Madison, Wis., December 1st, 1858. 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati. Dear Sirs.— You will recollect that 
I was in your place a week or two since, and took a list of your prices 
for Frames, &c. I also bought a small bottle of Negative Collodion 
which suited me better than any I ever used, and you will please for¬ 
ward me two pounds, by Express, of the same kind. That steel I 
took made a negative in 25 seconds. I used 40 lbs. Collodion last 
wiuter, from the 15th of June to the 15th of March. I will want 
Frames in January. Truly yours, 

JOHN S. FULLER. 


- Ala., December 4tth, 1858. 

Gentlemen.—I am much pleased with your “ Journal of Photogra¬ 
phy,”—the practical information it imparts, and the occasional well- 
timed and appropriate thrusts it gives to a certain cotemporary Journal 
of the Daguerreotype and Photographic Arts and th’e Sciences, &c., 
not intimating that his, (the editor’s,) grammatical or chemical knowl¬ 
edge is at fault; they are hints he long since should have had. 







20 


Enclosed is one dollar; please continue the Journal, for I would not 
be without it for three-fold the price, and let me know how my sub¬ 
scription stands. 

The Nitrate of Silver I got from you when I was in New York, (1st 
Nov.) is a fine article, and hope that on hand now is as good. 

Your Collodion I have had a strong predilection for ever since I 
developed the first picture I took with it, some eighteen months since. 
It developes most beautifully, and makes a strong, rich-toned picture, 
with a heavy body or rotundity to the image, superior to any other 
Collodion I ever used ; and I have used no little, of Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia, and Augusta, Ga. manufacture, besides supplying many 
country artists. Respectfully, &c., 

Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, 

424 Broadway, New York. 


NEW STYLE HEAD REST. 


“ There is a Head Rest in vogue adapted to the 
backs of chairs, but it is both heavy and inconvenient. 
The last style introduced, the Self-Adjusting Head 
Rest of Seely & Garbanati, has the advantage of 
being light and easily adapted. A piece of cast iron 
is adapted to the shape of the average run of parlor 
chairs, and hooked on by two springs. Through the 
centre of the iron work is passed a bar of wood, 
which contains the part for supporting the head. 
This bar acts as a lever, of which the iron work with 
the springs is the fulcrum, and the lower part of the 
bar resting against the seat, or lower rail of the chair, 
is the counterpois. 

When the Rest has to be elevated or depressed, 
the iron work is to be slightly raised, when the lower part of the bar 
is detached from its pressure against the chair. The bar can then be 
readily raised up and down, and is again held fast by the letting go of 
the iron work. The whole of it weighs but 1| lbs., and the price is 
one dollar and a half. This rest is a great advantage to travelling 
artists, or for occasional use in a gallery.” 






21 


“THE COMPACT CAMERA STAND.” 


BY H. GARBANATI. 


“ It is just as important that apparatus shall be perfect as chemical 
processes, and any means that will economize time, and simplify man¬ 
ipulation, or give lightness, durability, strength, beauty or economy to 
photographic apparatus, is of interest to the photographer. 

The (i Compact Camera 
Stand,” therefore, combining 
the above qualifications, is wor¬ 
thy a description. 

When extended, it is a tri¬ 
pod, with the three legs, con¬ 
caved inside, suitably to clasp 
the convex of the centre pole 
which holds the top, and de¬ 
presses and elevates as usual, 
to suit the required height. 

The legs are kept extended, 
by three stout wires, fitting on 
the one end, to each leg a pin 
passing through an eye, and 
fastened in the leg, and on the 
other end, fastened to a mova¬ 
ble ring, which passes up and 
down the pole. 

When closed, the stand—without the top—looks like a stout stick, 
with an iron top, which is used to connect the upper parts of the legs 
by means of pins, serving as hinges. 

The whole may be carried in the hand, like a walking stick, and is 
strongly suggestive to the travelling artist as an anti-garroter. 

To open it, it is only necessary to pull the legs apart, when the ring 
—which with its connections has been snugly ensconced between the 
legs and the pole, will descend to its place and keep the legs extended ; 
the movement is very much like an umbrella.—To close, the ring has 










22 


simply to be pushed.up. There are two qualities that need especial 
mention. The one is, that instead of a screw, (which is necessary to 
keep the top at.its required height) pressing against but one part, to 
its damage, there is a band inside the connecting iron, with a slight 
space, against which band the screw presses; the band closing, presses 
equally all around the pole, and this keeps it much steadier, and with¬ 
out indentations. The other I mention, is that the screw tilting the 
top, being placed nearer the centre than the common mode, tilts it in 
much less time. 

Upon the whole, this Stand is one of the most complete articles in 
the art, and weighs but little more than the common tripod. It is the 
invention of Messrs. Seely & Garbanati, who intend patenting it. The 
price of one suitable for half-size camera is $3 ; four-four, $4.50.” 


SPRING & RATCHET PLATE VICES. 


(patent APPLIED FOR.) 



PKICE 75 CENTS. 


A NEW VIEW CAMERA BOX. 

Price $25. 


Our New Yiew Camera Box is suited for taking Pictures 14x11 
to turn, with sizes down to 8^x6^. When closed, it looks like a trav¬ 
elling case, and is seventeen inches square by six and a-half inches 
broad, and as far as the material will allow, is very light. It is fur¬ 
nished with ground glass, and shield with silver corners, and vulcanite 
slide and spring, which form part of its compactness when not in use. 
Any size to order, on the same plan. 
















23 


PRICES OF PHOTOGRAPH PAPER FOR MEGAS¬ 
COPIC CAMERA. 


23x18 per Hundred Sheets..$3.50 

24x38 “ “ . 9.00 


PURE CHEMICALS. 


The photographic art, as at present practiced, is pre-eminently -a 
chemical art. No dexterity of manipulation, or perfection of appara¬ 
tus can overcome the difficulties inseparable from poor chemicals. 
Commercial chemicals will not answer for photographic purpose 
These factsare recognized and insisted on by all authors on photo, 
graphy, and by all successful photographic artists. 

Moreover impressed with these truths, many years since we made 
the preparation of photographic chemicals our study and business. 
Our efforts were appreciated and successful. From small beginnings, 
our business has extended to every quarter of the globe. Wherever 
pure, reliable and uniform photographic chemicals are needed and 
sought for, the name of our firm is as familiar as a household word. 

Our experience has taught us in our manufactures how, by improved 
processes and apparatus, we may reduce the cost of many of our nicer 
preparations, so that we are almost able in price to compete with the 
ordinary commercial article. 

We assure our many friends that we still employ in our business the 
same skill, enterprise and scientific knowledge, which has insured our 
success from the beginning. 

Among the articles of special manufacture, we beg leave to call at¬ 
tention to our celebrated BENZINE VARNISH and our COLLO¬ 
DIONS. The Varnish, after a careful comparison with the’ various 
varnishes formerly used, is pronounced by the most capable judges to 
be superior to them in all their useful qualities. The Collodion lias 
been adopted by artists who have been most successful in the prepara¬ 
tion of their own. The Collodion is especially recommended to those 







24 


who are making pictures for exhibition, and to those who have consid¬ 
ered the daguerreotype a more desirable picture than the ambrotype. 
Although we do not profess to sell collodion at a less price than the 
artist can manufacture it for himself, yet we are persuaded that pho¬ 
tographers will find it more profitable in the end to purchase of us. 
People are becoming better critics of the quality of pictures. The 
artist who makes the best will sell the most, and get a better price. 

From this time we shall reduce the price of Varnish and Collodion 
to the following rates : 

Benzine Varnish, per Bottle,.$ .40 

Collodion, (Positive or Negative,) per lb.,. 1.50 


THE NIELLOGRAPH. 


The Niellograph is a collodion picture, made on Niello paper, and 
produced directly in the camera. Being on paper, the picture is par¬ 
ticularly suitable for lockets and for sending by mail. 

Niello paper has all the good qualities of the Melainotype plates^ 
while we are able to guarantee that it will not injure the bath, rust or 
scale. Niellographs are made with as much certainty as ambrotypes 
on glass. 

We have lately introduced this beautiful picture in England, where 
it has received the most flattering commendation from the daily press 
and scientific periodicals. Several of the New York galleries receive 
their chief income from the sale of Niellographs. 

The genuine Niello-paper is furnished only by us. Every package 
is accompanied with directions for use. 

Niellographs are better suited for coloring than any other pictures. 
The oil Niellographs resemble ivory miniatures. 


STEREOSCOPES. 


We manufacture and sell Stereoscopic apparatus, and all the various 
materials employed in the Stereoscopic business. 

Also, we are able to sell all Stereoscopic pictures at publishers’ prices. 








M OUL T O N ' S V R O 0 E S S E S, 

AS PRACTISED BY HIM AT 

J. GURNEY’S and C. D. FREDERICK’S GALLERIES. 

“NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE PROCESSES 

ON GLASS AND PAPER, 

By H. D. W. MOLTLTON, Practical Photographer/’ 

PRICE T Pi REE DOLLARS PER C OPY. 

SENT BY MAIL OR EXPRESS. 

Published by SEELY & GARBANATI. 

4 24 Broadway, ]\<*w York. 

N. B.—S. & G. are the sole proprietors of the copyright. 



ASBB0TYPS, 


9 l 


BY CHARLES A. SEELY, A. M. 

JUST PUBLISHED, 


CONTAINING MANY NOVELTIES AND USEFUL HINT^, AMONG WHICH 
MAY BE FOUND PRACTICAL DESCRIPTIONS FOR 

Balsam Sealing, Crayon Ambrotype, Vignette Ambrotype, Melaino* 
type, Sphereotype, Ornamented Border, Mirror Ambrotype, 
Niellograph, Pearl Ambrotype, Imperial Ambrotype, 
Transfer Ambrotype, Ornamental Background, 

Relievo Ambrotype, Double Figure 
Ambrotype, &c., &c. 

THE BOOK IS SENT BY MAIL AT THE 


LOW PRICE OF TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


0 034 076 541 Z 



">■ 


SEELY & GARBANATI, 

424 Broadway, N. Y., 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN 


5 Jjj^tograjjjic ||urc Cjmntcals, 


AND EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO THE ART. 

oi rmi sms mb emir l 

MATS AND PRESERVERS. 

✓ 

GLASS, from COMMON. CRYSTAL to PURE WHITE, 

INCLUDING 

English Crown, \ White, § White, Plate, Convex, Black or Purple. Ac. 


<3 




Ao<l everything npon whivh Pictures ore taken. 


VULCANITE WARE, 

Glass, Iron, Porcelain and Wedgewood Ware. 

Every style of Apparatus known in the art, no matter by whom invented 
or made, furnished at makers’ prices. 


^ (gilt Jram.es, in ©rest fatieitj, ©tal or Square. 

Iron, Oak and Rosewood. Fancy Wood Frames. 


PASSE PARTOUTS 

Of many and beautiful styles, very Iow r r and made to order to suit any shape 

or size. 

Seely & Garbanati's Celebrated Chloride of Gold, 

WARRANTED PURE. 


UNTIEiB."^ PUBLICATION OUST TEUE A.ET. 






